Baked Heart Casserole

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Italian Cardi al forno is transformed into a North Dakota-inspired dish by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original recipe typically uses Italian spices and herbs, while this version incorporates a blend of North Dakota spices to add a regional twist. Additionally, the use of beef heart as the main protein gives the dish a heartier and more robust flavor compared to the original. We alse have the original recipe for Cardi al forno, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef heart, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 2 pounds (900g) beef heart, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the beef heart pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the beef heart. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
7. 7.
   Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. 8.
   Bake for 2 hours, or until the beef heart is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water to create a slurry.
10. 10.
    Remove the skillet from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over medium heat.
11. 11.
    Stir in the slurry and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
12. 12.
    Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
13. 13.
    Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
14. 14.
    Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef heart — Trim any excess fat and connective tissue before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure a more tender and enjoyable texture.
• North Dakota spices — Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your desired level of spiciness. You can also add other regional spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for additional flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder flavor, you can soak the beef heart in milk for a few hours before cooking to help remove any residual gamey taste.
• Serve the Baked Heart Casserole with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to complement the rich flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Heart Casserole hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Baked Heart Casserole to a serving dish or individual plates. The golden-brown crust and vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing. Consider serving it in a rustic-style dish to enhance the North Dakota-inspired presentation.